Güssing

Güssing sits in the valley of the Strem river in the southern part of Burgenland, only a few kilometres from the border with Hungary. The landscape is one of low hills, forests and farmland, and the town is the main administrative and commercial centre of the surrounding district. It is known in Austria and beyond for two things: its castle and its energy.

The castle is the dominant presence. Burg Güssing stands on an extinct volcanic cone about 290 metres above sea level, rising abruptly from the plain and visible from far away. It was founded in the twelfth century, in the era when the area belonged to the Kingdom of Hungary, and it was fortified over the following centuries. The Batthyány family, one of the great Hungarian noble houses, owned it from the sixteenth century and used it as a stronghold against the Ottoman threat. Unlike many castles in the region, Güssing was never captured, and it remains in good condition. Inside, the museum displays weapons, armour, furniture and documents, and the towers and ramparts allow visitors to walk along the walls. A restored chapel, a deep well and a series of historic rooms are part of the tour. Check seasonal opening times before you go.

At the foot of the hill, the town centre is compact and pleasant. A Franciscan monastery, founded in the seventeenth century by the Batthyány family, contains a church and a crypt that holds the tombs of several family members. Its Church is an important Baroque building, and the monastery has a library and collection. Other churches in town, including the parish church dedicated to Saint Mary, add to the historic character, though they are modest in scale. The main square has cafes, shops and a small market.

Güssing's modern reputation is based on renewable energy. In the 1990s, the district faced economic decline and decided to turn to local resources, mainly wood from surrounding forests, to produce heat and electricity. A biomass power plant using gasification technology was built, and the town began to supply its own energy needs from local sources. The project attracted international attention, and the area became known as a model for energy independence in rural regions. A European centre for renewable energy was established, and groups of experts, students and politicians visit to learn from the experience. The topic is explained in guided tours and at information points, so visitors with an interest in sustainability will find something to see.

The wider region has a mixed cultural background. Burgenland was part of Hungary until 1921, when it was united with Austria after the First World War, and the communities around Güssing include Croatian and Hungarian minorities. This heritage appears in place names, dialects, music, church festivals and food. In small villages around the town, you may see houses with long, narrow plots, wine cellars and village greens where festivals are held.

The surrounding countryside is suited to gentle exploration. Cycling routes link villages through valleys and vineyards, and walking trails lead to viewpoints and small lakes. Southern Burgenland is also known for thermal baths, with several towns offering spas within a short drive, and for wine, including the local Uhudler, made from old American grape varieties, which is a regional peculiarity. Food is hearty, with dishes such as goulash, roast pork, dumplings, strudel and pumpkin seed oil, and farm inns serve seasonal specialities.

The best time to visit is from spring to early autumn, when the castle is open every day and the countryside is green. September and October bring wine harvest festivals. Winters are quiet, and some attractions close or reduce hours. A car is the easiest way to reach Güssing, with the drive from Vienna taking around two hours and from Graz about an hour. Public transport exists but is slow, so most visitors arrive by car or on organised tours.